FFEC is committed to sustainable development and partnering with communities to improve management of natural resources such as water, land and air.

Rain water harvesting, Kaman, Mewat, Rajasthan

In 2016 we conducted an extensive research of the needs of the people of Kaman district of Mewat in Rajasthan through focus groups. The region receives little rain even during monsoon and the canal water is mostly used up by Haryana so by the time it reaches this district the volume is significantly low and a difference in the vegetation is noticeable while traveling from the Nuh district in Haryana to Kaman. Scarcity of water was identified as the most important concern, particularly for women who demonstrated how they far they had to pull pipes to water their fields. Traveling through the region once can see dilapidated bawlis and wells which were the traditional methods of collecting and storing water.

FFEC invited an expert team from Aakar Foundation to assess the terrain and recommend ways to enhance water management systems. After a day’s tour guided by community members, the experts identified the low lands and high lands and recommended a catchment area. They also did a film screening of their projects in other parts of Rajasthan, demonstrating how water conservation and better management through community led initiatives for rain water harvesting had changed the livelihoods and health of the community. Meetings were also held with the panchayat.

Unfortunately due to lack of funds and issues with land ownership, the project has been stalled for the time being but with all the information collected including detailed proposal for the depth and width of the canal by the experts, the project can be implemented once funding is secured and the panchayat comes to a consensus.